Best dehumidifiers: tackle mould and damp with our expert picks

We’ve tested a range of dehumidifiers from different brands – including DeLonghi, Ebac, Ecoair, Meaco and Pro Breeze – to uncover the best and to help you to find the most appropriate model to help fight condensation, damp and mould in your home.

Compare the dehumidifiers we've tested, find out the key features to look for and the differences between a refrigerant (compressor) and desiccant model. 

The best dehumidifiers from our tests

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The dehumidifiers we tested

All the dehumidifiers we tested are listed in alphabetical order, below.

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Argos Challenge D015B 10 Litre

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Available from Argos (£120)

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Most recently tested January 2025

Size and weight 40.2 x 27.8 x 20.5cm (H x W x D), 9.8kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, night and laundry modes, 13 target humidity levels, 24-hour timer

Blyss 16L WDH-316DB

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Most recently tested January 2023

Size and weight 51.1 x 31.8 x 19.3cm (H x W x D), 10.6kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Three target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, two fan speeds, wheels

Daewoo COL1471

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Most recently tested December 2023

Size and weight 46 x 26 x 22cm (H x W x D), 10kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Laundry and night modes, two fan settings, 11 target humidity levels, child lock, 12-hour timer, wheels

DeLonghi DEX214F

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Most recently tested December 2021

Size and weight 51 x 33.7 x 22.2cm (H x W x D), 10kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Air purifier function, three target humidity levels, laundry mode, no wheels

Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier (DXDH02UK)

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Most recently tested February 2022

Size and weight 54.2 x 33.5 x 26.5cm (H x W x D), 14kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Night mode, 24-hour timer, two fan speeds, 11 target humidity levels, carbon filter, wheels, integrated cord storage

Ebac 4000 Series 4650 18L

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Available at Ebac (£329)

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Most recently tested January 2025

Size and weight 54.6 x 34.3 x 27.4cm (H x W x D), 11.7kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Smart functionality (Smart Living app), two fan speeds, turbo and laundry modes, 10 target humidity levels, 8-hour timer, wheels

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Ecoair DC12 MK3

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Most recently tested February 2024

Size and weight 49.2 x 28 x 19.9cm (H x W x D), 9.1kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Laundry and night modes, 24-hour timer, two fan speeds, 11 target humidity levels, child lock, wheels

Ecoair DD1 Classic MK6

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Most recently tested November 2022

Size and weight 47.6 x 29.8 x 18.3cm (H x W x D), 6.1kg

Type Desiccant

Need to know Turbo mode, eight-hour timer, louvre, no wheels

Ecoair DD3 Classic MK3

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Most recently tested December 2023

Size and weight 51.9 x 40.3 x 24cm (H x W x D), 7.36kg

Type Desiccant

Need to know Laundry mode, 12-hour timer, five target humidity levels, no wheels

ElectriQ 40L Smart Dehumidifier (PD45E)

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Most recently tested February 2023

Size and weight 59.1 x 37.4 x 23.2 (H x W x D), 16kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, 24-hour timer, target humidity range of 30%-90%, wheels

Inventor EVA Ion Pro 20L Wi-fi

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Most recently tested March 2022

Size and weight 49.2 x 34.8 x 26.7cm (H x W x D), 14.2kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know 11 target humidity levels, laundry mode, 24-hour timer, air purifier function, wheels, integrated storage

Inventor Fresh 12L

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Most recently tested January 2023

Size and weight 41.8 x 32.4 x 22.8cm (H x W x D), 11.4kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know 11 target humidity levels, night mode, 24-hour timer

Meaco Arete One 20L

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Most recently tested December 2021

Size and weight 61.8 x 37.1 x 27.4cm (H x W x D), 15.1kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, seven target humidity levels, laundry and night modes, air purification function, wheels, integrated cord storage

Looking to combat dust, pollen and other allergens? Discover the best air purifiers we've tested

Meaco Arete One 10L

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Most recently tested February 2023

Size and weight 48.9 x 32 x 24cm (H x W x D)

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, seven target humidity levels, laundry and night modes, child lock, air purification function, wheels, integrated cord storage

Meaco Arete One 12L

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Most recently tested November 2022

Size and weight 48.9 x 32.3 x 23.5cm (H x W x D), 10.8kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, seven target humidity levels, laundry and night modes, child lock, air purification function, wheels, integrated cord storage

Meaco Arete One 25L

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Most recently tested February 2022

Size and weight 61.2 x 36 x 26.7cm (H x W x D), 15.9kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, seven target humidity levels, laundry and night modes, child lock, air purification function, wheels, integrated cord storage

Meaco Arete Two 25L

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Most recently tested January 2025

Size and weight 61.7 x 35.6 x 15.8cm (H x W x D), 15.8kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Smart functionality (Meaco app), three fan speeds, night and laundry modes, louvre, air purification function, seven target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, wheels, carry handle, integrated cord storage

Meaco DD8L Zambezi

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Most recently tested January 2023

Size and weight 55 x 36.1 x 21.3cm (H x W x D), 8kg

Type Desiccant

Need to know Laundry mode, 24-hour timer, target humidity range of 40-70%, louvre, child lock

Meaco MeacoDry ABC 12L

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Most recently tested January 2020

Size and weight 44.5 x 29.5 x 25cm (H x W x D), 11.5kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, 11 target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, child lock

Meaco MeacoDry ABC 10L

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Most recently tested May 2023

Size and weight 44.4 x 30.3 x 26cm (H x W x D), 10.1kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, 11 target humidity levels, laundry and night modes, timer, child lock

Pro Breeze 12L Dehumidifier (‎PB-18-UK)

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Most recently tested January 2024

Size and weight 44.5 x 25.5 x 22.3cm (H x W x D), 9.6kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Laundry and night modes, child lock, two fan levels, 11 target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, wheels

Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier (‎PB-06-UK)

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Most recently tested January 2024

Size and weight 43.5 x 29.6 x 21.9cm (H x W x D), 9.6kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Night mode, 24-hour timer, two fan levels, child lock, wheels, integrated cord storage

Pro Breeze OmniDry 20L PB-D-24

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Most recently tested January 2025

Size and weight 49.7 x 30.5 x 24 cm (H x W x D), 12.4kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Smart functionality (Smart Life app), two fan speeds, night and laundry modes, 11 target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, child lock, wheels

Pro Breeze 25L Dehumidifier (PB-D-30)

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Most recently tested January 2025

Size and weight 57.9 x 36.5 x  24cm (H x W x D), 13.6kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, laundry mode, 11 target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, child lock, wheels

Pro Breeze 30L Smart Dehumidifier (PB-15-UK)

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Most recently tested February 2022

Size and weight 50 x 38.7 x 29.5cm (H x W x D), 17.1kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Turbo mode, timer, wheels, integrated cord storage

Pro Breeze 20L Dehumidifier (PB-D-23)

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Most recently tested December 2023

Size and weight 60.5 x 34.7 x 20cm (H x W x D), 13kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Laundry and night modes, 24-hour timer, two fan speeds, wheels, integrated cord storage

Puremate PM465 20 Litre Dehumidifier

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Most recently tested February 2024

Size and weight 52.2 x 34.2 x 24.1cm (H x W x D), 14.3kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Two fan speeds, night and laundry modes, 11 target humidity levels, 24-hour timer, wheels, ioniser function

Russell Hobbs 20 Litre RHDH2002

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Most recently tested February 2021

Size and weight 50 x 34.5 x 24.5cm (H x W x D), 14.9kg

Type Refrigerant

Need to know Laundry mode, timer, target humidity range of 35-85%, wheels, integrated cord storage

How we test dehumidifiers

We put dehumidifiers through a full set of tough scientific tests to find the ones that excel in all these key areas.

• Water extraction We put each dehumidifier on its maximum setting and run it twice over for an hour at normal room temperature (21°C), using a special climate-controlled test room. From these two test runs, we work out the average amount of water pulled from the air. We then cool down the test room (10°C) and run our duo of water extraction tests again, so we can tell you how well the dehumidifier works in the cold.
• Energy efficiency We measure the energy consumption of each dehumidifier at normal room temperature while we’re carrying out our water extraction tests. Our cost-per-litre figure in the table above also comes from this data.
• Quietness Our expert lab testers subjectively rate how noisy each dehumidifier is on the highest and lowest settings.
• Ease of use Our assessments include how simple it is to use the controls, whether emptying the water tank is likely to cause any problems, and whether it’s easy to move the unit around. We also check the instruction manual is clear to follow and understand.
• Humidistat accuracy We test how well the humidistat function works at room temperature by asking it to turn the dehumidifier on and off at certain humidity levels.

We regularly revisit the dehumidifiers on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do.

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

What does a dehumidifier do and how does it work?

Dehumidifiers draw excess moisture from the air, helping to combat condensation, prevent mould growth and reduce damp on walls.

There are two main types to choose from:

• Refrigerant These dehumidifiers work by creating a cold surface; when warm, damp air comes into contact with it, water condenses and drips into the water tank. They typically struggle in colder spaces, such as cellars.
• Desiccant This type has a desiccant wheel that absorbs moisture from the air. An internal heater and fan drive moisture off the wheel so the process can be repeated. They are effective in both warm and cold spaces.

Dehumidifier features to look out for

• Continuous-drain facility Many dehumidifiers allow you to connect a hose and flush the collected water away to a low-level drain. This will save you having to empty the water tank, or prevent the machine from getting full and switching off if you're not around to empty it. You often have to buy the hose separately.
• Humidistat Most dehumidifiers have one of these. A humidistat monitors moisture levels in the air and adjusts the dehumidifier to maintain the humidity level you’ve selected. Some models also have a more nuanced auto setting, where the machine adjusts its settings according to its idea of the most appropriate relative humidity.
• Night mode Dehumidifiers can be noisy machines. If you intend to run it at night, look for a model with a 'night mode' or a 'silent mode'.
• Smart features So-called 'smart' dehumidifiers can be controlled via a smartphone app as well as the standard control panel. This could come in handy if you want to turn your dehumidifier on or off or adjust the settings, such as fan speed, while you're in another room or even out of the house. Keep in mind that smart models tend to be more expensive.

Are dehumidifiers expensive to run?

Dehumidifiers aren't hugely expensive to run, but there is quite a difference between the most and least energy efficient models.

The average running cost of our Best Buys is around 7p per hour, with the most efficient among them costing as little as 3p per hour to run. The least energy efficient dehumidifiers we've tested will cost you around 17p per hour.

If you're running an inefficient dehumidifier for several hours a day, the annual cost can start to rack up. Our figures for cost per litre of water extracted in the table above let you compare how much you'll pay to dry the air in your home.

Many dehumidifiers have a timer, which allows you to program it to turn on and/or off after a specified time. This could help you to save money if you're on a tariff offering cheaper energy at certain times of day, or if you want to leave the dehumidifier on for a few hours after going out, but you don't need it on all day.

What type and size dehumidifier is best?

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are more popular in the UK. They work by creating a cold surface; when warm, damp air comes into contact with this, condensation forms and drips into the water tank. If you're looking for a dehumidifier for an unheated garage, conservatory or other outbuilding, you should generally opt for a desiccant.

A dehumidifier's size or capacity describes how many litres of water it's able to extract from the air each day (which is different to the water tank capacity). The dehumidifiers we've tested range in capacity from seven to 40 litres.

Which one you need depends on the size of the space you want to use it in, how many people are living in the home generating moisture through activities such as cooking, washing and doing laundry, and the extent of your damp problem.

• 7-12 litres – small capacity. Suitable for a single person living in a small flat, looking for a lightweight and portable machine to tackle a mild damp problem.
• 14-16 litres – medium capacity. Suitable if there are more of you creating moisture through activities such as showering, cooking and washing clothes at home, and/or your damp problem is more severe.
• 18+ litres – large capacity. A sensible choice if you have a lot of moisture that you need to get rid of fast. For example, clearing up after a flood or dealing with lots of water in the air because of drying laundry indoors.

Will a dehumidifier help with mould?

A dehumidifier can help limit mould growth by removing moisture from the air. But taking these simple steps could help nip a damp problem in the bud before it gets to the dehumidifier stage.

• Use an extractor fan or open a window when taking a bath or shower.
• Wipe down wet walls and floors in your bathroom after use.
• Seal cracks in your walls with a caulk or sealant.
• If possible, dry your clothes outside.
• When cooking on a hob, use the extractor fan hood.

How to use a dehumidifier

These tips will help you get the best out of your dehumidifier:

• Vacuum before using your dehumidifier, so that it doesn't spread dust around the room or clog up the dust filter. This is particularly important if you suffer from allergies.
• Position it correctly You'd probably rather your dehumidifier was tucked out of sight. But you should position it away from walls, furniture and curtains so that air can circulate around it, and it can remove more moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers in Meaco's Arete range are designed to work when up against a wall or furniture, though.
• Keep doors and windows closed when the dehumidifier is running. If windows are open, your dehumidifier will be working harder to try to dehumidify a greater area.
• Empty the water tank after every use, if you can, and definitely before packing it away for storage. Use a cloth to wipe down the tank, so that you don't get mould or mildew from water that's been left stagnant.
• Clean the filter to stop it getting blocked; manufacturers tell us that this is a very common reason for dehumidifiers not working properly.

Are dehumidifiers good for drying laundry?

If you don’t have a tumble dryer and it’s too cold to hang wet clothes outside, a dehumidifier can help you to dry your clothes more quickly. It does this by removing the moisture that evaporates into the air during the drying process.

Some models have a laundry setting, but you can use any dehumidifier for this if yours doesn't have one. Many laundry settings just whack up the power to maximum for a set time, although some are designed to save energy by optimising the machine's performance so it doesn't work harder than it needs to.

See all our tips on using a dehumidifier to dry laundry or find out the best and cheapest way to dry clothes indoors.

Which dehumidifier brand is most reliable?

As well as our tests, we also ask dehumidifier owners how happy they are with their chosen brand, so we can give you some insight into the best out there along with the ones to avoid.